Lorraine Smith

Lorraine Smith [née Bilson] (Sept. 28, 1930- Jan. 5, 2015) Lorraine had determined at an early age she was to pursue a career in the performing arts and began working a host of jobs to afford dance lessons. She receiving ballet training in Mara McBirney’s studio based out of the Georgia Hotel and was one of Vancouver’s first fifteen professional ballerinas to pass the Royal exam designation. Between the years of 1946-1953 Lorraine Bilson had toured across country with Canada’s first Ballet Festival to promote interest in national ballet. She joined the Pantho-Pacific Ballet Co. and danced in front of Queen Elizabeth at the Commodore Ballroom. She worked as an usherette at the Orpheum Theatre
Her early career brought her in contact with all major landmark venues hosting the biggest names in the show business industry. She studied briefly under dance anthropologist Catherine Dunham. Other career highlights include performances at Theatre Under The Stars, the Cave Supper Club, the Sylvia Hotel, Operettas, and New York Broadway productions. Lorraine took a seven year break from professional dance to marry and have children. She began teaching under her married name Smith and for the next five decades, influenced generations of dance students and promoted local and national ballet and contemporary dance.
Lorraine Smith retired in 2011 after degenerative conditions of her sciatica would no longer see her able to continue teaching. She married Jack Frederick Mulliner on October 2, 2011 after a 35 year companionship.Jack was a constant source of support for Lorraine in the couple’s last few years together.Lorraine was listed in critical condition at Mount Saint Joseph’s Hospital and on January 5th the couple passed away within 22 hours of each other.
Lorraine is survived by daughter Robin; son Mark;and step daughter Jennifer. 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will be observing a celebration of life to commemorate the accomplishments of this extraordinary couple on Jan. 31, 2015 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 308 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, BC. Canada